by Sharan Poovanna Published: 27th April 2015 06:02 AM The New Indian Express
BENGALURU: A senior scientist of a DRDO lab has knocked on the doors of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Defence Minister and Ministry of Defence among others over alleged harassment, torture and humiliation meted out to him by his superiors at the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE).
Though he has complained to the authorities, no action has been taken. Meanwhile, Raghavan (name changed), the G-category scientist who has over 30 years of experience, authored 180 technical papers and worked on almost all Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) projects of ADE, remains without an assignment for the last four months.
In his complaint, Raghavan alleged that ADE Director P Srikumar is trying to push junior scientists (below G category) to senior positions before he retires later this year. In two letters dated 31-1-2015 and 31-3-2015, Raghavan has told the Defence Minister and DRDO headquarters that “In order to promote some inefficient and less experienced individuals, I have been pushed out of ADE work. This is done due to partiality and favoritism”.
On December 8, 2014, the ADE Director signed a directive attaching Raghavan to ‘Project Ghatak’ at Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a nodal agency for design and development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). But ADA has refused to accept the deputation as proper government approval and procedure was not followed, the scientist alleged.
When contacted, ADE director Srikumar said he was not aware of any such complaint. “This does not call for a story,” he said.
On April 9, the DRDO Director (Personnel) has forwarded the complaint back to ADE to resolve the matter. The status on the letter states ‘under process’.
“Since no justice is provided and harassment and insult continued, I made a formal representation to Director, ADE, ADG Aero, Scientific Adviser to Raksha Mantri, and Defence Minister through letter dated 21.1.2015. Till today, my grievance is not addressed and sorted out,” he stated.
When contacted, ADE director Srikumar said he was not aware of any such complaint. “This does not call for a story,” he said.
the above statement of ADE director Srikumar – see the DOP letter on subject matter
